Coverless towable strap system

ABSTRACT

A coverless towable is provided having a towing strap system that encircles the towable structure and comprises retention loops welded to the structure sides to retain a nylon webbing strap which is threaded through retention loops around circumference of towable to spread out the pull load.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Towables are popular water recreational devices. A towable is typically an inflatable structure, such as a raft or tube, that includes a rope, handle, strap, clip, or other towing attachment feature that permits the device to be pulled behind a boat or other motorized water vehicle. Often, people enjoy riding on or in towables while being pulled behind a boat. Typically, towables are made of PVC material. In order to safely and securely pull the towable behind a boat, a first end of a rope, strap or other towing mechanism is secured to the boat or vehicle pulling the towable and the second end of the towing mechanism is attached to a towing attachment feature which is itself securely connected to the towable. It is known to provide a fabric cover of nylon or other suitable material that fits over the inflatable structure of the towable. Conventionally, the fabric cover comprises a secure towing attachment feature which can be connected to the towing mechanism to enable the towable to be pulled behind a boat or other vehicle. For some users, however, it is not desirable to have a fabric cover on the towable. The fabric cover may also add cost to the manufacture of the towable. Despite not wanting a cover for the towable, it is still necessary to provide a towing attachment feature that is securely connected to the coverless towable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description of some embodiments that are presented later.

In accordance with an embodiment, a towable is provided that comprises a coverless inflatable structure having a towing strap which encircles the exterior perimeter of the inflatable structure and is thus securely connected thereto. The inflatable structure comprises strap retention portions that are attached directly to the sides of the inflatable structure and not to a fabric cover. A towing strap passes between the strap retention portions and the exterior of the inflatable structure, enabling the towing strap to encircle the circumference of the inflatable towable to spread the towing load out around the entire perimeter of the structure.

In accordance with an embodiment, a towable is provided that comprises a coverless inflatable structure having two towing straps connected to the inflatable structure. A first towing strap is attached to a top strap base that is attached directly to the top surface of the inflatable structure. A second towing strap is attached to a bottom strap base that is attached directly to the bottom surface of the inflatable structure. The two towing straps may be connected together to provide a secure point of attachment for the towing mechanism.

In accordance with an embodiment, a coverless towable is provided that has flexible handles secured to the top surface of the inflatable structure to enable a user to hold on to the handles while riding on or in the towable, Each handle is attached to a handle retention portion which is attached directly to the top surface of the inflatable structure.

Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a towable in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the towable of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the towable of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a towable;

FIG. 4B is a top view of the towable of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a side view of the towable of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a towable;

FIG. 6 is a partial front view of the top portion of the towable of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a partial front view of the bottom portion of the towable of FIGS. 5; and

FIG. 8 is a front view of the towable of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a towable 20 in accordance with an embodiment. The towable 20 includes a top portion 22 and a bottom portion 24, as well as a leading edge 26 and a trailing edge 28. When the towable 20 is in use, the top portion 22 is disposed above the water and the bottom portion 24 is disposed beneath the water. The leading edge 26 is located on the portion of the towable 20 closest to the boat or towing vehicle and the trailing edge 28 is located opposite the leading edge 26. Towable 20 also has a side wall portion 30 extending around the circumference of towable 20 where top portion 22 and bottom portion 24 meet.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, coverless towable 20, is preferably circular in shape. Top portion 22 includes top planar surface 23 and bottom portion 24 includes bottom planar surface 25. Top portion 22 also includes top peripheral side portion 27 which slopes slightly downward from top planar surface 23. Bottom portion 24 includes bottom peripheral side portion 29 which slopes slightly upward from bottom planar surface 25. As shown in FIG. 2, top portion 22 and bottom portion 24 are preferably the same shape and size such that their edges are connected to form towable 20. Of course, it is also within the scope of the present invention for top portion 22 and bottom portion 24 to be of differing shapes and sizes and for towable 20 to be other than generally circular in shape, provided that the edges of each are complementary and can be joined together to form the inflatable structure.

Top portion. 22 and bottom portion 24 are preferably connected to each. other by means known in the industry, such as welding of the aterial, to define a cavity therein for receiving air. The joining of top portion 22 and bottom portion 24 forms a continuous seam around the circumference of the towable 20 at side portion 30. It is also within the scope of the present invention for top portion 22 and bottom portion 24 to meet at other than the center of side portion 30 or to comprise a single piece of material with no seam. It is also within the scope of the invention for side portion 30 to comprise a vertical wall (not shown) as opposed to tapering edges 27 and 29 of top portion 22 and bottom portion 24, respectively. The basic structure of towable 20 may be virtually any structure known or used in the industry.

Towable 20 is preferably made of polyvinylchloride (PVC), but may also be made of material having similar characteristics which is known and used in the industry or new materials which may be developed.

Towable 20 includes a towing attachment feature 32 for permitting the towable 20 to be pulled behind a boat, for example by a ski rope or other towing mechanism. (not shown). The towing feature may be a rope, loop, handle, strap, clip, or other similar functioning feature. The feature 32 may be connected to the front of the towable 20, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, in an embodiment of the present invention, the towing attachment feature comprises strap retaining portions 40 that are connected. directly to the exterior side 30 perimeter of towable 20. Strap retaining portions 40 are preferably generally rectangular, but other shapes are within the scope of the present invention. Strap retaining portions 40 are made of the same material as towable 20, which is preferably PVC, although a lighter gauge may be used. It is possible that a slightly different material could be used, provided the material is capable of secure attachment to towable 20. Preferably, strap retaining portions 40 are securely attached to towable side portion 30 by welding. Strap retaining portions 40 are each welded to side portion 30 at upper edge 42 and lower edge 44, leaving ends 46, 48 and center area open and free from attachment, forming a “belt loop”. This method maintains an open space between the exterior perimeter of the towable and the underside of strap retaining portion 40 such that a strap 50 can be threaded around the towable 20 and under the retaining portions 40 like a belt. Towable 20 may include any number of retaining portions 40 which are preferably spaced apart to reduce the amount of material needed and reduce manufacturing costs.

In the embodiment shown, five retaining portions 40 are used. It is within the scope of the present invention, however, for more or fewer than five retaining portions to be utilized. It is also within the scope of the present invention for retaining portion 40 to comprise a single piece of material which extends almost entirely around towable 20, forming a single channel through which strap 50 may be threaded and having a section without the retaining portion located at the leading edge 26. As shown, retaining portions 40 are preferably generally rectangular in shape, although square or other shapes which create a loop or channel allowing a strap to pass underneath are also contemplated.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, strap 50 fully encircles towable 20. Strap 50 is preferably made of polypropylene webbing, but other materials having similar characteristics could be used. Having strap 50 encircle towable 20 operates to spread out the pull load from a single point around the entire perimeter of the towable. Because the strap 50 is secured to the towable 20 via strap retention portions 40, no separate fabric cover having handles, straps, clips or other towing attachment feature is necessary.

Strap 50 has first and second ends which encircle towable 20 and are connected to each other to form a closed loop. Preferably, the ends are sewn together, but first and second ends may be attached to each other by other means known in the industry. The section of loop located in front of the towable leading edge 26 may be further secured to itself to form tow loop 56 for connecting to a towing mechanism. Tow loop 56 is located in front of leading edge 26. As shown in the Figures, yoke 57 is located between leading edge 26 and tow loop 56, defined by strap 50 and leading edge 26. Preferably, open weave mesh 58 is sewn into yoke 57 for reinforcement. It is within the scope of the present invention, however, to eliminate mesh portion 58 altogether or to utilize a different material.

In an embodiment shown in FIG. 4, towable 20 has the same general structure as described above, and wherein towing attachment feature 32 comprises another strap system. First end of strap is threaded through strap retention portions 40 and attached to second end (not shown) to form a single extended strap loop. As shown in FIG. 4, the length of strap 50 is slightly longer than the circumference of towable to create a small handle or loop made of excess strap material to create a towing feature attachment point for a boat or other vehicle. As shown, the towing feature is preferably located on leading edge 26. The strap 50 utilized in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is similar in nature to the strap 50 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-3 and the disclosure will not be repeated.

In an embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-8, a towing strap system for a coverless towable is provided for a towable having a shape that may not lend itself to having loops located around the side perimeter thereof and having a strap threaded therethrough, but for which a secure attachment point for a towing attachment feature is needed. The shape of the towable may be a bulbous tube as shown FIGS. 5-8, or may be another shape such as a bullet, a jet-ski shape, or other shapes used for towables.

Top strap base 74 is preferably made of the same material as towable, such as PVC, but could also be made of other material having similar characteristics. Top strap base 74 is disposed along leading edge 26 of towable on top portion 22. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, top strap base 74 comprises two generally rectangular sheets of material 74 a, 74 b. It is also within the scope of the present invention for top strap base 74 to comprise two sheets of material that are a different shape such as oblong, elliptical, or the like. Top strap base 74 may also comprise a single piece of material which could be trapezoidal in shape or otherwise so as to accommodate first and second ends 71, 73 of top tow strap 70. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, top strap bases 74 a, 74 b are preferably attached to towable 20 in a disconnected “v” shape on the top side of the inflatable structure for strength. Top strap bases 74 a, 74 b could also be arranged in a more parallel configuration. As shown, it is desired that top strap bases 74 a, 74 b comprise two layers 74 a, 74 a′ and 74 b, 74 b′ of material for added strength and durability. It is within the scope of the present invention ,however, to only have a single layer of base 74 a, 74 b.

Top tow strap 70 has first end 71 and second end 73 and is preferably made of polypropylene webbing, although other similar materials are within the scope of the present invention. First end 71 is secured to first top strap base 74 a and second end 73 is secured to second top strap base 74 b. Strap 70 is preferably sewn onto top strap base 74 a, 74 b, but may be otherwise secured by means conventionally known in the industry. Top strap base 74 a is then secured to second layer of base 74 a′, preferably be welding. Second layer of base 74 a′ is then secured directly onto the towable surface, preferably by welding. Strap base 74 b is similarly secured to second end of strap 73, second layer of base 74 b′ and towable surface.

Bottom strap base 76 is preferably made of the same material as towable, such as PVC, but could also be made of other material having similar characteristics. Bottom strap base 76 is disposed along leading edge 26 of towable, on bottom portion 24. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, bottom strap base 76 comprises a single sheet of material that is generally trapezoidal in shape to accommodate strap 72 ends. It is also within the scope of the present invention, however, for bottom strap base 76 to comprise separate pieces of material for each end of strap 72. As shown in. FIGS. 5 and 7, it is desired that bottom strap base 76 comprise two layers 76, 76′ of material for added strength and durability. It is within the scope of the present invention, however, to only have a single layer of base 76.

Bottom tow strap 72 has first end 75 and second end 77 and is preferably made of polypropylene webbing, although other similar materials are within the scope of the present invention. First end 75 is secured to bottom strap base first layer 76 and second end 77 is secured to bottom strap base first layer 76 in an adjacent configuration. Preferably, first and second ends 75, 77 are secured in a generally inverted disconnected “v” shape for added strength and durability. It is within the scope of the present invention, however, for first and second ends 75, 77 to be secured in a more parallel configuration. Strap 72 is preferably sewn onto bottom strap base 76, but may be otherwise secured by means conventionally known in the industry. Bottom strap base 76 is then secured to second layer of base 76′, preferably be welding. Second layer of base 76′ is then secured directly onto the towable surface, preferably by welding. Optional cross strap 78 is shown in FIG. 7 and is secured across the approximate mid-portion of the bottom tow strap 72 inverted “v” to further secure strap 72 to base 76 and provide additional security when the towable is being pulled through the water.

As shown in FIG. 8, top and bottom tow straps 70, 72 form tow loops which may be looped over one another or stitched or otherwise secured together to provide an attachment point for a towing mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 5, the towable 20 may include one or more handles 60 positioned at appropriate locations around the top surface 23 of the towable. Preferably, handle 60 comprises a flexible handle made of polypropylene or other similar material. Flexible handle 60 is attached to handle retention portion 62, preferably by stitching, although other means known in the industry are acceptable. Handle retention portion 62 includes two layers 62, 62′ for added strength and durability, although it is within the scope of the present invention to only have a single layer 62. First layer of handle retention portion 62 is preferably welded onto second layer 62′, which is then welded directly onto towable 20 in the desired position. Any number of handles 60 may be provided and handles 60 may be secured at any desired located on towable 20.

The towable 20 may include a fixed lay-on position 79 so that a rider may lay on top of the towable at the fixed lay-on position 79 while the towable is pulled behind a boat. At faster speeds, a user typically holds onto the handles 60. In the alternative, the towable 20 may include one or more recesses 80 located in the fixed lay-on position. The recesses are sized and arranged so that a rider may sit in the respective recess 80 while the towable 20 is being pulled behind a boat. Many riders prefer this “sit in” method of riding on a towable 20, because riding within a recess provides more stability and comfort than riding on top of the towable. Other riders prefer the “lay on top” type of riding style.

Although towable 20 has been described as an inflatable product preferably made of polyvinylchloride (PVC) and having one or mare inflation valves located at various customary positions on the structure, other material may be used for forming the towable 20. I-beams or other appropriate interior structures (not shown, but known in the art) may be used to maintain the shape of the towable 20 The basic towable may be formed as generally known in the industry at which point the handles and/or strap retention portions and straps are added. The disclosed towing attachment features 32 may be used with any such towable. The towable may be any coverless shape known in the industry, and may similarly be of any size, weight and color to accommodate any number of riders. The towable may also have any number of recesses on the towable and any number of cavities or bladders within the structure itself. Although not required, towable 20 may also comprise accessories such as cup holders and handles. If desired, other accessories may be provided.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A coverless towable, comprising: an inflatable structure having a cavity therein, said inflatable structure having a top portion and a bottom portion; and a towing strap systems, the towing strap system comprising at least one strap retention portion welded to the exterior of said inflatable structure and a flexible strap passing between said strap retention portion and the exterior of said structure.
 2. The coverless towable of claim 1, wherein said flexible strap encircles the circumference of said inflatable structure.
 3. The coverless towable of claim 1, wherein said inflatable structure is formed of polyvinylchloride.
 4. The coverless towable of claim 1, wherein said at least one strap retention portion is formed of polyvinylchloride.
 5. The coverless towable of claim 1, wherein said towing strap system. comprises at least three strap retention portions.
 6. The coverless towable of claim 5, wherein said at least three strap retention portions are spaced apart from each other.
 7. The coverless towable of claim 1, wherein said flexible strap is formed of polypropylene.
 8. The coverless towable of claim 1, wherein at least one inflatable bladder is located within said inflatable structure cavity.
 9. The coverless towable of claim 1, wherein said coverless towable is generally circular in shape.
 10. The coverless towable of claim 1, further comprising at least one handle located on a top surface of the towable.
 11. The coverless towable of claim 1, further comprising a tow loop located along a leading edge of the towable.
 12. A coverless towable, comprising: an inflatable structure having a cavity therein, said inflatable structure having a top surface and a bottom surface; and a towing strap system, the towing strap system comprising a first strap retention portion welded to said top surface, a second strap retention portion welded to said bottom surface, a first flexible strap connected to the exterior of said first strap retention portion and a second flexible strap connected to the exterior of said second strap retention portion.
 13. The coverless towable of claim 12, wherein said towable is formed of polyvinylchloride.
 14. The coverless towable of claim 12, wherein said first and second strap retention portions are formed of polyvinylchloride.
 15. The coverless towable of claim 12, wherein said first and second flexible straps are formed of polypropylene.
 16. The coverless towable of claim 12, wherein said first and second flexible straps are connected to each other to create an attachment point for a towing mechanism.
 17. A coverless towable, comprising: an inflatable structure having a cavity therein, said inflatable structure having a top portion and a bottom portion; and at least one handle, wherein said handle is connected to a handle retention portion and said handle retention portion is connected to the exterior of said top portion of said inflatable structure.
 18. The coverless towable of claim 17, wherein handle is formed of flexible material.
 19. The coverless towable of claim 18, wherein said flexible handle is stitched to said handle retention portion.
 20. The coverless towable of claim 17, wherein said handle retention portion is welded to said inflatable structure. 